Shirley M. Mascroft

OAKHAM — Shirley M. (Smith) Mascroft, 81, a resident of Oakham for more than 51 years, died Tuesday, May 3, 2011, in her home after a long illness.

She was born in Springfield, the daughter of Carl L. and Frances L. (Flechsig) Smith.

Besides raising a large family, Shirley was a teacher’s aide and librarian at the Oakham Center School for 32 years, loved her job and working with children.

She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Alpheus Mascroft Jr.; six sons, Stanley W. Mascroft of Jacksonville, Fla., Carl R. Mascroft of Hubbardston, Dana A. Mascroft and his wife Pam and Alpheus S. Mascroft III and his wife Paula, all of Barre, Larry S. Mascroft and Richard F. Mascroft, both of Oakham; a daughter, Joyce L. Mascroft of Oakham; a brother, Robert Smith and his wife Ingrid of Sterling; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews and nieces. A sister, Freda (Smith) LaCasse, predeceased her.

Calling hours were May 9, in Miles Funeral Home, Holden. A memorial service will be held in the Oakham Congregational Church at a later date and burial will be private. Memorial donations may be made to the Quabbin Regional School District, c/o Oakham Center School, 1 Deacon Allen Drive, Oakham, MA 01068. (milesfuneralhome.com)